DfE School Food Strategy Catering Providers Market Engagement
Reference ocds-b5fd17-75a929c9-9a8d-46d4-a1cb-59d9bed616ee · Department for Education
Closed. Submission deadline: 1 May 2026.
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Description
Department for Education School Food and Catering Market Engagement Process The Department for Education is seeking market engagement with existing Catering providers of School Catering that already have contracts with School(s). This is a crucial part of the Department's wider efforts to build on existing knowledge and gain further understanding of the school food market ahead of the planned expansion of Free School Meal eligibility to all children in households in receipt of Universal Credit in September 2026. The Department plans to run a market engagement process over the coming months. This Market Engagement shall NOT result in a procurement opportunity and is solely intended to give Caterers the opportunity to offer valuable insight into how School Food and Catering is delivered. This market engagement is part of a wider programme of engagement by the Department with schools, Local Authorities and other stakeholders. If you are a current provider of school catering interested in engaging with the Department, please complete the questionnaire in the online form - link attached. The closing date for completing the questionnaire is 12PM on Friday 1st May 2026.
Official publications
| Medium | Reference | Date |
|---|---|---|
| FTS | fe211f44-56c0-4928-b29e-0d4730059f72-890343 | 27 March 2026 |
| Contracts Finder | fe211f44-56c0-4928-b29e-0d4730059f72-890343 | 27 March 2026 |
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the deadline to bid for this tender?
- The submission deadline is 1 May 2026, 12:00. Check the official source, as dates can be modified.
- Who is the buyer of this tender?
- The contracting authority is Department for Education (United Kingdom).
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